Center for the Blind
Outline for Human Guides
1. Identifying persons who are visually impaired and blind
a. White cane (white tape on a support device=identification as low vision, visually impaired or blind)
b. Examples of mobility and support devices:
i. Long cane and ID cane
ii. Support cane
iii. White tape on a walker or scooter
c. Guide dog
i. Using harness
ii. Using leash
iii. Following guide while using harness vs. Holding guide’s arm while dog on leash
iv. Service animals are not certified to safely guide visually impaired and blind persons.
2. Approaching a visually impaired or blind person
a. Asking if s/he would like a guide or some assistance
3. Human guide (pass out simulator glasses)
a. Basic set-up
i. Guide in front
ii. Traveler holds guide’s arm using a coffee cup-grip or C-grip
iii. Pace
iv. Communication while walking
b. Turns
c. Moving through crowds and narrow areas
4. Breaking contact
a. Making contact with a seat, wall, vendor table
b. Twisting out of grip
c. Say “Good-bye.”
i. Did the traveler hear you?
5. Communication and safety
a. Appropriate communication and respect for the traveler
i. Asking (dumb) questions. There are none. “I want to show you the chair as you requested but I’m not sure how to do that. Can you give me instructions?” Be kind and honest.
ii. Informed decision-making for the Describing an area to provide visual information
iii. Commitment counts. When a guide says, “I will meet you at the dance floor in 10 minutes,” it is imperative to show up on time. If ten minutes is not realistic, be honest about your ability to aid the person. Is a half an hour more realistic? Are you really busy guiding people and you can’t commit to return? Tell the traveler.
b. Respect for the guide
i. Spaghetti arms (“Please hold on tighter. I don’t want to lose you in the crowd.”)
ii. Death grips (“Please loosen your grip. You are hurting my arm.” Provide positive feedback, “Yes, that feels better. Thank you.”)
c. Crowded events (Guiding up/down ramps and curbs)